The Dispatch E-Edition

All current subscribers have full access to Digital D, which includes the E-Edition and
unlimited premium content on Dispatch.com, BuckeyeXtra.com, BlueJacketsXtra.com and
DispatchPolitics.com.
Subscribe
today!

Graham Rahal and his father’s Rahal Letterman Lanigan IndyCar team landed in Sao Paulo, Brazil,
yesterday trying to maintain focus and build on the momentum of a second-place finish two weeks ago
in Long Beach, Calif.

Rahal said focus won’t be a problem in a city known for its dangerous side.“Flat-out, the hotel
people will tell you do not go out without going with either a big group of people, or going to a
real well-known restaurant,” the New Albany native said. “And they tell you don’t get into just any
cab, make sure you get a proper limo because you can’t trust anybody. It is weird in that respect.”&
amp; amp; lt; /p>

That’s why last night his father, Bobby, and the team staged a dinner for the crew members and
drivers, which include James Jakes. This morning, they will take to the track, a street course on
which Graham Rahal finished second two years ago in the inaugural race.

“I think you can compare it to the Buckeyes going in and playing wherever their most boring
road-game venue is,” Graham Rahal said. “It’s not a city where you’re looking to go out and get
into any trouble, so to speak. Our engineers probably love this race because they can get us to
focus.”

Unlike the Brazilian drivers, such as Helio Castroneves, who must deal with fans’ adoration, and
unlike a few whose sponsors might have a presence in the country, Rahal and his team have few
distractions this weekend.

“Your focus really is just on the racing, and that’s great,” Rahal said.

After a lackluster first two races this season, his first driving for his father’s IndyCar team,
Rahal hit his stride at Long Beach, rising from a start in 11th to a strong second.

“Coming off a weekend like we had there, it gives you a lot of positive energy,” Bobby Rahal
said. “No question that Graham needed that kind of race, and the team needed it. I’m not sure who
needed it more. For those guys who work so hard, it was vindication, and for Graham it was
vindication.

“Then you go into the race this weekend, on a similar type of track (street course) and a place
where Graham has done well, and you think, ‘OK, we’ve got expectations of doing very well.’”

Graham agreed.

“Now the trick is, the month of May has started, the Indianapolis 500 is just (three) weeks
away,” he said. “This is the biggest month of our year. We have to maintain that momentum this
weekend and try to build on it.”